Tibet issues yellow alert for heavy snow

LHASA, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region issued a yellow alert for heavy snow at 3 p.m. on Thursday, the first of its kind this year.

From Thursday evening to Friday evening, heavy snow is expected to hit the counties of Pulan, Zhongba, Gyirong and Nyalam, according to the region's observatory.

The center suggested local authorities take precautions to keep roads safe, and advised residents to protect livestock and avoid unnecessary outdoor activities.

China has a four-tier color-coded weather warning system, with red representing the most severe, followed by orange, yellow and blue.